The Brooklyn Nets are listed as a potential landing spot for Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet, according to a recent post by Bleacher Report. VanVleet has a player option for the 2023-24 season that will pay him $22.824 million if he opts in to that option.
VanVleet, 29, averaged 19.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, but shot just 39.3% from the field and 34.2% from three-point land for the Raptors during the 2022-23 season. As I wrote earlier in May, B/R said that if VanVleet opts in to his player option, he could be a potential sign-and-trade target for Brooklyn if he can be had for a decent price.
In that article, B/R also pointed out that VanVleet could be looking for a contract similar to the four year, $104 million contract that New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson signed this past offseason. The only thing is, if VanVleet gets a contract of that magnitude, he may price himself out of the market for teams who are looking to win now, like the Nets could be. Here’s more of what B/R said about VanVleet:
“Fred VanVleet is not at risk of being forced off the Toronto Raptors. Team president Masai Ujiri’s comments on the heels of firing head coach Nick Nurse imply a continued commitment to the immediate timeline. The Raptors still better be prepared to fend off rivals.
Though VanVleet isn’t the most formidable table-setter or self-creator, his atypical strengths are part of his charm. So many teams can use a point guard who doesn’t need to dominate the ball and will bust his butt on defense.”
[lawrence-related id=53576,53573,53570]